The written word has the power to inspire and awaken our hearts and minds and helps us in finding balance.
Over the years I’ve read hundreds of books that have helped and enlightened me. The writings of Rumi, Gibran, Thomas Merton, Jack Kornfield, Stephen Covey, Jon Acuff, Emily P Freeman…have made me stop and think, look at things from a new perspective and sometimes change course.
These are the words of other people. People who have led different lives, had experiences that vary from mine, and have written from their perspective and world view. Yet they manage to touch something deep within me.
But finally, finding balance and meaning in my life is up to me.
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.
– Thomas Merton
Finding Balance Through Writing
What does it mean to be balanced?
You feel that you are in control of your life. You’re not feeling like you are being pulled in several directions. You experience a certain equanimity, order, calmness, clear headedness and motivation.
You feel there is a balance between what is going on within you and the internal aspects of your life. You’re not sitting in a theatre watching one horror movie and a romantic comedy at the same time!
So how does writing help you find balance?
I’m not talking about professional writing like news or informational articles, etc. I’m talking of the every day writing practices like the Morning Pages or journaling that everyone can incorporate into their lives. Here are 10 ways that a regular writing practice can help you find balance.
- It is a safe place to express yourself.
- Helps you connect with yourself and discover or rediscover your true self.
- You can examine your life and lifestyle
- Encourages you to be honest with yourself
- Empowers you to base your life on your values
- You can get clarity about what is important and what your values are
- Helps you set goals
- You can plan and prepare for the day/ month ahead
- It provides routine, structure and continuity
- Helps you feel in control of your life
I know from personal experience that my writing practices help find balance. Have you experienced the same? Do share.
I found this interesting prompt on Skillshare : Words + Pictures: A KTC Creative Writing Challenge by Christie Glascoe. What came up for me was the word ‘balance’ and the picture of the cups! Go here to find out more.
I’m nodding along to all the 10 points that a regular writing practice does for you , Corinne. My Morning Pages are a way to regain that balance every morning. I trust in the process of thought dumping because it brings me not just clarity of thought but a lot of peace and most interestingly, a sense of catharsis. In that sense, writing becomes very meditative for me—almost a tool to help me navigate my inner world of introspection and reflections and keep me centered, on the whole.
I agree, Corinne. Journaling helps me find balance and to think through ideas, changes, and anything that is causing me friction.
Shinjini recently posted…Overcoming creative blocks: in search of divine inspiration
Corrine, this is resounding. Thank you for articulating so beautifully the power of reading other people’s words to bring a sense of calm, wonder, excitement and solidarity. Thank you for writing.
Great post! I myself don’t really feel the balance from actual writing (like fiction or blog posts), but when it comes to journalling or freewriting, then I do feel it. Thanks so much for this thought-provoking post!
Stuart Danker recently posted…Here Are 3 Simple Perspective Shifts That Will Inspire A Better Life
Thanks for stopping by, Stuart. Yes, that’s exactly how I feel too when doing Morning Pages or Journaling – writing for myself brings balance!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Bringing Order To My Writing